Free Republic

Corey O’Brien, the Democratic primary challenger to Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-Pa.), said the 13-term congressman’s approval ratings are so low that there’s no way he can win re-election this year. O’Brien, a Lackawanna County Commissioner, told POLITICO that voters are disenchanted with the congressman due to the region’s struggling economy, Kanjorski’s support for bank bailouts and the ethical cloud still hanging over his earmarks. Kanjorski won reelection in 2008 with just 52 percent of the vote, racking up 18,000 fewer votes in his district than President Barack Obama. His 2008 opponent, Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta, is running again this cycle....

DUNMORE - With a promise to level the playing field for Middle America, Lackawanna County Commissioner Corey O'Brien on Saturday kicked off his bid to unseat longtime incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski. Joined by his wife, Michelle, their two children and about 100 supporters, the 36-year-old Democratic commissioner stood in front of his boyhood home at 1906 Delaware St. and criticized the "unchecked greed of corporate America that threatens Middle America." Mr. O'Brien, who lives in Moosic's Glenmaura neighborhood, promised to work for "affordable, quality health care," well-funded early childhood education and an education system that prepares students...